FOUR Canford Heath schools have joined in “educational alliance” – the first of its kind in Poole.

Ad Astra First School, Canford Heath First and Middle Schools and Haymoor Middle School are now under the umbrella of a new charitable Trust – the Education Alliance of Canford Heath. The four schools have also changed in status from community, to foundation schools.

The alliance heralds a new era of even greater collaboration and co-operative working – with the aim of making education for the children there “the best it can possibly be” said Sue Pelham, executive head teacher at Canford Heath First and Middle Schools.

“The idea is that by working together we can achieve much more than by working alone,” she added.

“As a group of schools we will be considering how to meet the needs of the children, how to support the parents and how to organise services more efficiently. There are all sorts of things we want to get out of it.

“The school and the community are also very keen to make sure the transition from one stage of education is as smooth as it possibly can be for the children.”

Future projects could include things like a joint orchestra or choir, joint community projects, sharing resources, generating savings through economies of scale and joint commissioning, as well as collaborative work implementing the curriculum.

“There are hundreds of ideas,” added Sue. “We’re really excited about it and the head teachers are relishing the thought of working together.”

The trust came into being at the beginning of March – following extensive consultation with staff, pupils and parents.

It comprises members from the schools, as well as Borough of Poole, a representative of the Co-Operative movement, and a someone from teacher training establishment SCITT.

Anyone with an interest in the school including pupils, staff, parents, employers and community members will be encouraged to become members of the Trust.

With start up costs met by Borough of Poole, it will pay for its ongoing costs through savings – as well as generate surplus funds to plough back into education.

The schools will remain autonomous and decisions and budgets will continue to be managed by governors at each school.

Cllr Janet Walton, cabinet portfolio holder for children and young people, Borough of Poole, said: “The Education Alliance is a positive development for schools on Canford Heath and will lead to new and different ways of working.

“All of which will enhance the lives and futures of young people in the area.”